Weary snow hike, Tiger 3

View of adjacent hill near the summit of Tiger 3 trail

Soldier on

When I started out, I didn't think I would make it to the top. There were several times I stopped for breath and wanted to know whether to go on. I threw back some pepperoni and some trail mix and soldiered on. After three hours I gained the summit. 90 minutes later I was back at the trailhead.

Traction devices

The Yak Tracks worked even for steep areas, except where the snow lacked cohesion, and then I caught myself sliding -- but only when going downhill. I neglected to drink water throughout the hike, and toward the end, when I sat down at the Twins, I started getting a cramp in my right inner thigh when I tried to remove my microspikes. I quickly drank some water.

From probably a half mile -- at the Twins -- snow covered the trail.

Except for some patches under trees, packed snow covered the trail.

I didn't need to be wearing all the clothing I had on, and the long underwear may explain why my legs seemed sluggish. I did start to chill at the top when I rested momentarily for a snack. And I used hand warmers in my gloves. My hands had been quite warm until the summit.

One individual I met on the trail said he hadn't seen snow like that on Tiger 3 for 10 years.

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: At least 2,000 feet. 
Location: Tiger 3 
Conditions: Cold; powdery snow; packed trails; occasionally clear sky
Load: Probably 21 pounds
:

Statistics, year to date:

Distance: 23.1 miles

Elevation gain: 7,320 feet